A Qualitative Service Evaluation of the Introduction of Single Session Therapy for Families in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in England, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Rationale: This service evaluation details the process of introducing Single Session Therapy (SST) with families to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in the United Kingdom. SST is a model of short-term psychotherapy intervention which can be applied to family contexts to provide timely mental health support.

Aims and objectives: This service evaluation had two objectives: (1) Review the existing evidence base and literature for SST. (2) Evaluate the implementation of a new SST treatment pathway in CAMHS, including patient experiences and satisfaction with the service.

Method: SQUIRE Guidelines are used to report on this new knowledge of healthcare. This evaluation used qualitative methods to evaluate the impact of the new service. The team also used existing frameworks within the Trust, namely discharge data, which is collected routinely as part of service evaluation.

Results: This evaluation suggests positive support for this model, and that many families appreciate and value the opportunity to build on strengths and work toward their goals as families. This project outcome appears to support some of Talmon's (1990) findings that the most commonly attended number of sessions is one, and that of those who attended only one session, many perceived the session as useful. Waiting times for our service are extremely long. The pace and structure around goals and solutions could feel both galvanising, as some reported, but others felt it was an insufficient response to the severity of their difficulties.

Conclusion: More high-quality research is needed before judgments can be made around the cost-effectiveness or efficacy of SST over existing approaches in the United Kingdom. While implementing SST should not be used to justify reduction in existing interventions, it offers a positive additional service for young people experiencing mental health difficulties and their families.